Grace Christian School students Julius and Robert Culwell spent 2022 traveling across several states with their three horses competing in the Open Division at various Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) horse shows. Despite competing against professional horse trainers, their perseverance paid off winning a total 10 Top Ten awards in the Open Division for the 2022 show season. Riding his two horses, Hollywood NV ME and Famous N Fancy, older brother Julius won Top Ten awards in Senior Barrel Races, Flag Races, Pole Bending, Ranch Riding, Trail, Ranch Trail, and Ranch Conformation. Julius and his mare Hollywood NV ME were named Third in the nation in Senior Flag Races and placed overall 9th in Top Mares and 9th in Top Performance Horses. Julius and his mare also were awarded with a Register of Merit in Ranch Trail and Ranch Rail Pleasure. Within Mississippi, Julius ranked third with his mare Hollywood NV ME and fifth with his gelding Famous N Fancy. Younger brother Robert riding his mare How D My Valentine won Top Ten titles in Senior Barrel Races and Flag Races. The horse-rider duo placed overall 6th in Mississippi. The Culwell brothers’ success was recognized at the Open/Amateur Awards Banquet held last month at the PHBA Annual National Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As for the 2023 show season, the brothers and their horses are looking forward to their first show this month at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. The Heart of Dixie Palomino Exhibitors (HOPE) Association will host the Azalea Classic PHBA/Open Horse Show in April in Meridian, Mississippi. The one-day show will be followed up with a trail ride at the facilities that is open to all horses. For more information about the show and trail ride, individuals can refer to the HOPE Facebook page.
